British Horseracing Authority Considers Sanction Racing On Good Friday

In a move "sure to enrage some who work within the sport, yet enthuse many thousands who watch it, the board of the British Horseracing Authority will next week consider firm proposals for two high-profile meetings" on Good Friday, according to Alan Lee of the LONDON TIMES. The headline act could be a £1M ($1.5M) card at Lingfield Park, "where plans to host a glitzy new finale to the all-weather Flat season are well advanced." A second fixture, with prize money well into six figures, "is likely to be at the other end of the country, at Musselburgh in Scotland." The exec of the BHA "is minded to support the bold initiative by the two courses and has also received tentative approaches for a third fixture." Only provisional approval "is likely next week, before the matter goes to a full fixtures meeting later in September" (LONDON TIMES, 8/29).